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The Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives has drawn the attention of the government to form a high-level probe committee to investigate the 100 kg gold smuggling case.

A meeting of the Accounts Committee held on Sunday demanded formation of a high-level probe committee to carry out a fair investigation into the 100 kg gold smuggling scam.

Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC, who chaired the committee as a senior citizen, drew the attention of the government to form a high-level probe committee to launch an independent investigation into the gold smuggling case.

In the meeting, CPN-UML lawmaker Yogesh Bhattarai said that a high-level probe committee should be formed to investigate the latest  gold smuggling case.

Bhattarai, also the secretary of the UML, said that the Home Minister and the Finance Minister should also be investigated.

The UML has been saying that the gold could not be passed from the Tribhuvan International Airport without the involvement of ruling coalition leaders.

So far, police have arrested 18 persons in connection with the gold smuggling case.

On July 19, the Revenue Investigation Department had confiscated around 100 kg of gold concealed inside brake shoes ‘imported’ from Hong Kong in the name of Ready Traders from Sinamangal.

Out of 753 local governments, 33, comprising 11 municipalities and 22 rural municipalities, have failed to submit their budget for the fiscal year 2023/24 on time, as mandated by the Local Government Operation Act, 2017. On a positive note, Sudurpaschim province achieved a 100 percent record this year, with all 88 local units passing their budgets on time. However, Madhes province continues to struggle, with 24 out of 136 governments failing to meet the deadline.

The primary reason for the budget delays is disagreement between municipal heads and their deputies. This has been a recurring issue, with mayors and chairpersons blaming their deputies and vice-versa. Additionally, political pressure and lack of a majority in some executive committees and councils also contributed to the delays.

To address this problem, experts and officials suggest penalties such as redirecting reduced subsidies to neighboring municipalities or introducing alternative forms of punishment. However, some economists oppose this approach, arguing that the public should not suffer the consequences of corrupt actions by representatives.

Currently, the only repercussion for delayed budget submissions is receiving reduced subsidies from the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission. The allocation of subsidies is based on performance, with timely budget presentation and approval carrying significant weightage.

It is crucial to find effective solutions to this issue, as untimely budget allocation negatively impacts local employment, income, and overall economic growth of the country. Efforts are underway to guide and train local representatives in adhering to a fixed set of protocols, with a ‘learning by doing’ approach showing some improvement in timely budget submissions over the years.

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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the main opposition CPN-UML Chairman held a meeting at the former’s official residence in Baluwatar on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ending the impasse in Parliament and recommending Chief Justice, a source at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

On the occasion, UML Chair Oli showed concern over the Lalita Niwas land grab case, Bhutanese refugee case and a recent gold smuggling case.

Oli also questioned the working style of the government with Prime Minister Dahal.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction over protecting the people of the ruling coalition and accusing the opposition.

In response, Prime Minister Dahal said that he has already directed the concerned authority to carry out a fair investigation into the gold smuggling case and book the guilty.

The main opposition CPN-UML on Wednesday had obstructed the Parliament proceeding demanding formation of a high-level probe committee to investigate the 100 kg gold smuggling case.

Accusing the government ministers of being involved in the gold smuggling case, the UML lawmakers, in the meeting, demanded a ruling for the formation of a high-level probe committee.

But the UML lawmakers chanted slogans and picketed the well after the Speaker tried to take the zero hour business ahead.

The meeting of the House of Representatives has been called for Tuesday.

During the meeting held this morning, Oli urged the Prime Minister to call the meeting of the Constitutional Council immediately.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the Investment Board Nepal would be developed as an efficient institution.

Receiving an annual report of the Board this morning, PM Dahal said it would be advanced as an effective and efficient institution capable of best utilizing the knowledge and experience of experts.

On the occasion, PM Dahal directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board to present a necessary framework containing policy, legal and institutional measures for reforms.

The Prime Minister said that the government was mulling to develop the Board as a prime institution to build strategic infrastructure projects.

Saying that the office of the Board has done a great deal in the areas of coordination, collaboration and partnership, Dahal urged the Board to bring the institution to a new height and further contribute to the prosperity and development of the country.

He expressed the commitment on behalf of the government to provide necessary support to the Board in its future efforts.

Prime Minister Dahal also said that his optimism that the foreign direct investment along with private sector investment can be amassed for the development of mega infrastructures in the country by capitalizing the ground works of the Board office last year.

He said that the government's commitment to gradually incentivize private investment in development.

PM Dahal further said he was excited to get response from some international-level organizations about the professional delivery of the Board office.

The 'screening process' adopted by the Board in project development was scientific and contextual, Dahal commented, asking the Board to receive support from the concerned ministries in identifying and structuring projects.

Also speaking on the occasion, Board's Chief Executive Officer Sushil Bhatta said that the Board's strategic plan, mandate, business plan and work progress against the budget and program of the government.

The progress report of the Board has highlighted its performances in project management, investment promotion, institutional development and coordination, collaboration and partnership.

CEO Bhatta also briefed the Prime Minister about key works to be carried out in the current fiscal year.

There is a practice where the CEO presents the annual progress report of the board before the Prime Minister and Board Chairperson and a performance contract between Board Chairperson and CEO is signed.